Parmesan Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe

Published on 15 February 2026 at 23:51

There’s something about a warm bowl of parmesan tomato cannellini bean soup that just feels… comforting. Not heavy. Not complicated. Just cozy in the best possible way.

This is the kind of soup I make when I want dinner to feel nourishing but also effortless. It’s creamy without tons of cream, filling thanks to beans, and packed with flavor from tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan.

Honestly? It tastes like something you’d order at a cute café… but you made it at home in one pot.

Let’s dive in.


Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • High protein and fiber (thanks beans 👏)

  • Naturally vegetarian

  • Budget-friendly ingredients

  • Meal prep friendly

  • One-pot easy cleanup

  • Rich flavor without heavy cream

And the parmesan rind trick? Game changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 small onion (chopped)

  • 2 carrots (diced)

  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • Parmesan rind (optional but amazing)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional add-ins:

  • Spinach or kale

  • Fresh basil

  • Cream or milk for extra richness


How to Make Parmesan Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add:

  • Onion

  • Carrots

  • Celery

Cook about 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Your kitchen will start smelling incredible right here.


Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth

Stir in:

  • Cannellini beans

  • Crushed tomatoes

  • Vegetable broth

  • Italian seasoning

  • Parmesan rind (if using)

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer.


Step 3: Simmer and Build Flavor

Let the soup simmer for about 20–25 minutes.

The flavors deepen. The beans soften. Magic happens.


Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Blend part of the soup using an immersion blender (or regular blender).

You don’t want it completely smooth — just partially creamy with texture.

This step makes it taste rich without adding heavy cream.


Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Remove parmesan rind.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese and taste.

Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Optional: Add a splash of cream or milk for extra indulgence.


Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

Little things make a big difference:

  • Use a parmesan rind if you can (restaurant-level flavor)

  • Blend only half the soup for perfect texture

  • Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors

  • Fresh basil on top = chef’s kiss


Healthy Benefits

This soup isn’t just comforting — it’s nutritious too.

Cannellini beans provide:

  • Plant protein

  • Fiber for digestion

  • Iron and magnesium

Tomatoes add:

  • Antioxidants

  • Vitamin C

  • Heart-healthy nutrients

So yes… comfort food can absolutely be healthy.



Variations to Try

Creamy Parmesan Bean Soup

Add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk.

Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.

Protein Boost

Add shredded chicken or turkey sausage.

Vegan Version

Skip parmesan and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.


What to Serve with This Soup

Perfect pairings:

  • Garlic bread

  • Crusty sourdough

  • Grilled cheese sandwich

  • Side salad

If you love cozy meals, you might also enjoy:

  • Your Soup Recipes Collection

  • Your Crockpot Chicken Dinners

  • Your Healthy Lunch Ideas

These internal links help readers discover more recipes.


Storage & Meal Prep

This soup stores beautifully.

Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months

Tip: It thickens overnight — just add broth when reheating.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the sauté step (flavor loss)

  • Over-blending until completely smooth

  • Adding too much salt before parmesan

  • Not tasting before serving

Always taste. Always adjust.


Budget Friendly Meal Idea

Beans + canned tomatoes = affordable pantry staples.

You can feed a family for under $10 with this recipe.

And it still tastes gourmet.


Cozy Dinner Upgrade Ideas

Want to make it feel fancy?

  • Drizzle olive oil on top

  • Add shaved parmesan

  • Sprinkle fresh herbs

  • Serve with toasted bread slices

Instant restaurant vibes at home.


Final Thoughts

This parmesan tomato cannellini bean soup is creamy, hearty, and comforting without being heavy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s easy, reliable, and honestly… really satisfying.

Some nights you want complicated meals.
Other nights you want a warm bowl and peace.

This soup is the second kind.

 

If you enjoyed this recipe:

⭐ Save it for your next cozy dinner
📌 Share it with someone who loves soup
đŸ„Ł Try it this week and experiment with variations

 

Want more recipes?

 


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